visit. She had come to propose to the aunt that Elizabeth should live
with them for the present with the view of qualifying herself for a
housekeeper's place, as she must not be exposed to the necessity of
going out as a common servant-girl. It was her brother, she added, who
had made this plan for Elizabeth's future.

The offer was a highly desirable one for persons in their position, and
was accepted by the aunt with unmixed satisfaction. Over Elizabeth's
face, however, there passed a momentary cloud. She felt, without knowing
why, a sense of oppression at the prospect of coming into closer contact
with the young lieutenant; but at the same time she would not for a
great deal have refused the offer.




CHAPTER VIII.


As for Salvé, during the first few days after coming home he was a happy
man. He was in love: he had received from his captain a hundred-daler
note, accompanied by a promise that as soon as he had learnt navigation
he should be third mate on board the Juno; and he heard himself admired
on all sides by his equals and associates. There was so much work to be
done, though, in discharging the cargo and getting the vessel into dock
for repairs--they had managed to get her up as far as Arendal--that it
would be Saturday evening before he could get his so longed-for
home-leave.

On the day before, as he was sitting on watch in the early morning under